The Hotlegs Runner Gear Review and Giveaway: FuelBelt | The Hotlegs Runner

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Gear Review and Giveaway: FuelBelt

I wanted to wear my Helium 4-bottle Belt from FuelBelt during my second marathon so I could review it properly. I was having some issues with the race number attachments but I'll let you know how I solved it.

But first, a quick description...


Helium is the most widely used hydration belt in the world. Helium is lightweight, comfortable and is standard equipment for runners of all abilities. We've put this belt through some of the toughest events in the world and it continues to outperform and deliver. When it comes to style and personalizing our Helium belts, athletes mix and match their belts with various bottle colors to create their own customized look and feel. Helium belts are available in a broad collection of Kona-inspired colorways.


Helium 4-Bottle Belt
Total Volume: 28oz
Colors: Surf Blue, Hibiscus Pink, Yellow/Black, Royal Blue, Black and Classic Red.
Sizes: S (27"-29"), M (30"-32"), L (33"-35"), XL (36"-38")

My Review

To be completely honest with you, I have been using another brand for more than a year now.  It's a 2 bottle hydration belt.  With my very first marathon last year, I really needed something that could hold more water while training for (and during) my marathon. Hence, the 4 bottle belt.


Why switch brands, you may ask?  I just noticed how more runners and triathletes (after watching Ironman Kona) used this brand and it got me curious.

They also have more color options.  For the Helium 4 Bottle Belt alone, they have 7 cool colors to choose from!  Clearly, they had me at PINK and black.  You know how I love my pink, right?

I don't pin my race number so I'm happy they had a race number attachment that you could just insert easily.  However, like I mentioned at the beginning, I somehow had a minor issue with this...

I have the smallest size for this belt type and I my high waist measures 26 inches.  So when I would attach the race number, it won't stay flat on my waist and it would fold. Check out the photo below to see what I mean...

Top shot

Ok, I know it's just that but I'm pretty obsessive compulsive about these things.  I like my number neatly placed flat on my waist.  This is just something I'm used to.  I was able to run my first marathon with my race number looking that way but it left my race bib all crumpled under the three layers I was wearing.  Another OC issue of mine, haha!

So, during my 2nd marathon last Sunday, being the McGyver that I am sometimes, I came up with a solution.  Instead of using the punched holes on the side of the number (which were far apart) where you insert the elastic chords... I used  2 safety pins and pinned them closer together on the race bib, then attached the race number attachments to pins.  Here's what I mean...


And now it's perfect!  Would be nice if FuelBelt could use clips on their race number attachments instead of the elastic chords with lace locks.  It's more versatile that way.  Especially for us petite women.  Just a suggestion.  =) But... I must say that I loved the reflectorized strips on the race numbers attachments.  Something my other belt doesn't have. *wink*

Now that I solved that problem, on to other features I love about this belt...

I loved that the pouch (Ripstop Pocket) is placed on the side of the belt.  Easier for me to reach for my gels that way, since I could actually see it!  The pouch on my other hydration belt was at the back.  The helium 4 - bottle belt comes with one ripstop pocket which can hold up to 3 gels.  So if you carry more than 3 gels or want room for more stuff (keys, phone, etc.), you can order another one which you can attach on the other side of the belt.

In fact, they have a lot of other accessories to add on or interchange - colored bottles, gel flasks, extra caps, etc.  They also have different water bottles.  Just check out their site to see what I mean.

So to wrap it all up, I just want o say that I'm the type of person who is afraid to go thirsty.  Even when I was a dancer, I was known to bring a big water jug to every dance class and rehearsal (which everyone drank from, by the way).  I cannot possibly bring that same jug with me while running (ha!)...and that's why I love my FuelBelt.  For sure I will be wearing this during all my long runs and marathons.

Giveaway


Thanks to Colleen R. of FuelBelt, one lucky reader will win a FuelBelt of his/her choice!

Please note that this is open to U.S. residents only. BUT, If you live abroad and want to have this shipped to a U.S. address of a relative or friend, then you are welcome to participate.

I will announce the winner this coming Sunday, Feb. 13.

Please remember to leave a SEPARATE comment for EACH of the things below.  1 comment = 1 entry.  I suggest you do everything specified below to increase your chances of winning.  If you do all 11, that's 11 entries!


Mandatory:
1.  Must be a FOLLOWER of my blog. I'm doing this because it's my way of thanking you for being one! =) Click the Follow button located at my right sidebar. And let me know that you are following already by posting a comment here like, "I am a follower" .  I am always happy to see new people following. = 1 entry

2.  Visit the FuelBelt Website. Let me know which of their products you like most. Post it on my comments again. = 1 entry


Extra Credit
3.  Follow me on Twitter (@HotlegsRunner) and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
4.  Follow FuelBelt on Twitter (@FuelBelt) and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
5.  Like the Hotlegs Runner on FACEBOOK and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
6.  Like FuelBelt on FACEBOOK and leave a comment that lets me know you already do. = 1 entry
7.  Post this giveaway on your blog, Twitter and/or Facebook linking back to here.  Let me know when you've spread the word. Leave a comment for EACH. = 3 entries
8.  Add me to your blog roll. = 1 entry 
9.  Answer this: My favorite hydration liquid is just plain old water.  What's yours?

Good luck!
Disclaimer:  I did not pay for this FuleBelt  They were sent to me and in exchange, I post an honest review of it.  I was not compensated nor was I encouraged by the manufacturer to post a positive review.  This review is based solely on my experience with this product.

Julie

132 comments:

  1. I liked some of the new belts it seems like you can add more accessories, I have the classic. I like the H20 series..

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  2. That belt is so cute! I want it! **salivates** If I didn't just buy one(from Nathan) I would get one to today.
    I really love the color choices. Maybe I'll get this "SPRINT 10 OZ. PALM HOLDER" instead... in PINK!

    Thank you for hosting!

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  3. I like the exact same fuel belt that you have...pink!

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  4. I LOVE the shoe laces! The last thing you need is to deal with shoes coming untied!

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  5. I "liked" FuelBelt on facebook too!

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  6. I like the same fuel belt that you have...blue!

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  7. Hydration...I've got to stick with water too!

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  8. I love the h20 collection in kiwi green. Sure, it's only two bottles of water, but GREEEEEN

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  9. My favorite way to hydrate is also water. Mostly because I spill everywhere, but also because my body gets weird about weird tastes when I'm running long distances. And I hate cytomax. yuck.

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  10. I posted a link to this in my giveaway side bar.

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  11. I added you to my newly added BlogRoll list! :)

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  12. I posted this to my facebook page

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  13. I would love to have that exact Helium model! I'm still wearing an ugly black, salt encrusted Fuel belt from the paloelithic era. I've replaced the bottles a billion times.

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  14. I just tweeted the giveaway link.

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  15. posted the giveaway on my blog today

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  16. I like the H20 belt because it has an adjustable strap.

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  17. I definitely prefer water! If I need some electrolytes I'll take some strawberry powerade zero.

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  18. (trying for the third time - sorry if duplicate)

    Follower!

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  19. I would LOVE a helium 4 bottle belt - I only have a handheld now...

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  20. I am a gatorade girl, but I usually cut it with water...

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  21. I am a follower and would love to have this to run with on my long runs!!!

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  22. I like th Helium 2 bottle belt in Hibiscus Pink. I love my pink too.

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  23. Posted giveaway on my blog roll

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  24. I want the Helium 4 bottle belt in PINK

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  25. I'm linking this on my sidebar on my blog!!

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  26. My fav hydration liquid is water but I am going to try out the nuun tablets and see how i like those!

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  27. I follow, I know you're shocked!

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  28. I want the 4-bottle pink... pink power RULES!!! ;-)

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  29. I like ya on facebook!

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  30. I already like fuelbelt on facebook.

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  31. You're already on my blogroll

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  32. I linking this on my sidebar on my blog

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  33. I hydrate with water and a NUUN tablet. Love Tri-Berry.

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  34. I already follow fuelbelt on twitter

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  35. I already like FuelBelt on facebook :)

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  36. I like the Helium 4 Bottle Belt best...in pink, of course!!!

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  37. I like the exact one you used, but in the blue!!

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  38. I posted this on my twitter page :)

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  39. my favorite hydration liquid is powerade and plain water :)

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  40. I think I'd go for the pink too!!

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  41. Water is my favorite hydration too. When I'm doing a race, I'll grab some Gatorade from an Aid station and drink a few sips towards the end of the race, but I've never carried anything but water on me.

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  42. I'm in the market for a new belt, too. I have a 2-bottle belt but need more fluids so I've been debating between a 4-bottle belt and a belt w/ 1 big bottle in the middle of the back. I'd be interested in either the Helium 4-bottle belt or the Crush waist pack.

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  43. My favorite beverage for my water belt is HEED (Hammer Nutrition). It's the best (besides plain water)!!

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  44. I love the colour options that are available, can't decide between the pink or blue

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  45. I like the revenge series; one handed entry/exit would make hurrahing a lot easier

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  46. My favorite hydration is First Endurance EFS drink

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  47. I am following FB on facebook.

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  48. I like the pink but would probably go with lava black.

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  49. I shared your blog post on my fb page!

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  50. i like the 4 bottle pink with race bib attachment

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  51. I like water or gatorade in my fuelbelt

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  52. I posted this to my blog (linked on sidebar to post)

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  53. I am a new follower and love your blog. I am training for my second half marathon and looking for my first marathon in the fall. I am realizing the importance of appropriate fuel during these longer runs and love your input on this fuel belt. Really want to give it a try! Thanks, Kathy

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  54. I'd love to try the Helium. I have the sprint handheld and really like it, but it's just not enough for the long runs!

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  55. I just followed your blog...this would be awesome for my first half marathon im training for !!!

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  56. I just followed Hotlegs Runner on FB :)

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  57. I just followed you on twitter as @offthedlistm

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  58. I love that you can add all kinds of bottles and pockets to this belt and the gel tubes are cool so you arent stuck with trash you have to figure out what to do with...As a type 1 diabetic I feel like i have to carry around everything but the kitchen sink when I run and this sure would come in handy when I do my first half marathon June 4th!

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